The most innovative watches that are keeping the industry ahead of its time

New technologyWith the electronic TAG Heuer Connected, Montblanc Summit and Louis Vuitton Horizon all making waves, watch manufacturers are increasingly taking up the challenge thrown down by smartwatches A slightly newer kid on the technology block is industrial designer Benoît Mintiens who, eight years on from developing his first, avant-garde timepiece in 2010, introduced the Ressence Type 2 e-Crown Concept, a perfect fusion of mechanical and smartwatch Even the most traditional of brands have recently been experimenting with new materials and fresh takes on movement components to improve accuracy and efficiency.

The 44mm case of the watch is made of Aeronith, a new aluminium foam-polymer developed by LVMH stablemate Hublot The decision to launch the hairspring in a Swatch watch underlined the fact that the new component can be mass produced at a very affordable price Beyond the R&D departments, some brands exist solely to break new ground.

The new oldWhen it comes to watchmakers bringing something new in terms of shape, the territory belongs almost exclusively to the independents, from the kinetic sculptures of MB&F to the space-age designs of Urwerk and the memento mori of Fiona Krüger. . Source